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[5]
But Caesar resolved to leave there, as a guard, the tenth legion,
with certain troops of horsemen, and companies of footmen. So, having entirely
completed this war, he was desirous to commend his whole army, on account
of the great exploits they had performed, and to bestow proper rewards
on such as had signalized themselves therein. He had therefore a great
tribunal made for him in the midst of the place where he had formerly encamped,
and stood upon it with his principal commanders about him, and spake so
as to be heard by the whole arrmy in the manner following: That he returned
them abundance of thanks for their good-will which they had showed to him:
he commended them for that ready obedience they had exhibited in this whole
war, which obedience had appeared in the many and great dangers which they
had courageously undergone; as also for that courage they had shown, and
had thereby augmented of themselves their country's power, and had made
it evident to all men, that neither the multitude of their enemies, nor
the strength of their places, nor the largeness of their cities, nor the
rash boldness and brutish rage of their antagonists, were sufficient at
any time to get clear of the Roman valor, although some of them may have
fortune in many respects on their side. He said further, that it was but
reasonable for them to put an end to this war, now it had lasted so long,
for that they had nothing better to wish for when they entered into it;
and that this happened more favorably for them, and more for their glory,
that all the Romans had willingly accepted of those for their governors,
and the curators of their dominions, whom they had chosen for them, and
had sent into their own country for that purpose, which still continued
under the management of those whom they had pitched on, and were thankful
to them for pitching upon them. That accordingly, although he did both
admire and tenderly regard them all, because he knew that every one of
them had gone as cheerfully about their work as their abilities and opportunities
would give them leave; yet, he said, that he would immediately bestow rewards
and dignities on those that had fought the most bravely, and with greater
force, and had signalized their conduct in the most glorious manner, and
had made his army more famous by their noble exploits; and that no one
who had been willing to take more pains than another should miss of a just
retribution for the same; for that he had been exceeding careful about
this matter, and that the more, because he had much rather reward the virtues
of his fellow soldiers than punish such as had offended.

Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.

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